Read This Before Installing Audio For Security

Audio capability in a security camera is a double-edged sword. Having a voice sample of someone trying to pull a fast one on your property can be very helpful, but many states make it illegal to record someone's voice without their consent. This is on top of laws that make it legal or illegal to record silent video of someone without their knowing. Now, the ease of ordering security equipment online makes it very easy to also violate laws unknowingly. If you have found that perfect system for your home by looking at online companies, it's best to contact a local home security company for advice about how legal that system is.

Separate Audio Capability

Security cameras, and regular video cameras that have audio, may have the capability to turn off the sound when recording. If you live in a one-party state, where only one party needs to know recording is going on, that could be enough to make the camera legal. But if the camera's audio capability can't be shut off while recording video, that's a problem. You can't record audio and then just promise not to use it in a state where recording audio without consent is illegal. You've already recorded the audio, therefore, you've already broken the law.

Posted Warnings

In some cases, posting a warning is all you need to make the recording legal. The warning must be very visible and placed in an area that isn't at risk of being obscured by things like a neglected plant that grows too tall. Even then, the circumstances can be fuzzy; your state's laws may say a warning is all that's needed, or they may say that a warning is all that's needed in certain areas, like inside your home but not outside. Outside, the audio could catch unrelated conversations from across the street.

Legal Consultation

It may also help to consult with a lawyer who specializes in recording laws. Local security companies should know the law, as well, but they wouldn't be the ones to defend you if someone tried to take you to court. If you have a thorough understanding of what your state's laws on recording audio are, a court case would be no worry because you know you'd be in the right.

Contact local security companies and a lawyer to discuss how much audio can be recorded and where. You may find that the security companies have the exact system you need, along with any warning signs. You can also be sure that the installation of the system will be done properly so that your home's security will be complete.

For more information, talk to companies like Streamline Media Systems.

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